For Immediate Release: May 6, 2009
Contact: Kerry Koonce: (515) 281-9646
Printer Friendly PDF VersionUpdated Projections Released for STEM Industries in Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa Workforce Development’s division of Labor Market Information recently released newly updated projections for the industries of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The study evaluates a selection of occupational groups that had a preponderance of tools and skills from science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics.
“We hope the release of this updated data will encourage young Iowans to consider pursuing training in these fields,” said Elisabeth Buck, director of Iowa Workforce Development.
The projections anticipate more than 18 percent growth in all Iowa STEM industries by the year 2016. The highest percentage of growth is in the field of Computer and Mathematical occupations of almost 23 percent.
That is followed by a more than 19 percent projected growth in the Health care practitioner and Technical occupational fields.
The study also found that the mean wage for workers from these STEM occupational groups of $27.97 is more than 60 percent higher than the $17.43 average for all occupations.
Educational and training requirements are also higher than other occupations, with close to 41 percent requiring postsecondary education or bachelor’s degree.
Visit http://iwin.iowaworkforce.org/ to obtain the latest workforce data and trends under the Publications tab.
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